Larry E. Zbinden Jr.

Larry Jr. passed away peacefully in his home on February 13^th, 2026, with his beloved wife, Micheon, at his side.

Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Larry was the firstborn son of Larry Sr. and Noeila Zbinden. Though his life began on the Gulf Coast, his childhood and formative years unfolded in Puerto Rico, a place that forever shaped his spirit. There, he spent his days in the ocean—swimming, diving, and fishing. He proudly carried home his latest catch to his treasured Abuela, his “Angel,” and it was at her side that he learned not only to cook cherished traditional meals, but also the deeper lessons of love, family, and devotion that would guide him throughout his life.

In 1978 Larry and his family left Puerto Rico and made their home in Kearns, Utah. Larry exchanged the waters of the Caribbean for the snow-covered peaks of the Wasatch Front, trading snorkeling gear for skis. He embraced the mountains with the same enthusiasm he once gave the ocean, cultivating a love for skiing and spending time in the Utah wilderness that would stay with him for years to come.

Larry’s gift for building, creating, and design truly began to take shape, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in construction and contracting. His talents ranged from handcrafting beautiful furniture to overseeing the construction of beloved landmarks like Squatters Pub. Across Utah, his work lives on in countless homes and gathering places, each space bearing the mark of his steady hands and creative spirit.

For Larry, building was never solely about the project, it was about the people it was built for. He found genuine joy in listening to his clients’ ideas, collaborating to bring their visions to life, and ensuring each project reflected not just craftsmanship, but care. What mattered most to him were the relationships formed along the way. With warmth, integrity, and an effortless ability to connect, Larry often turned clients into lifelong friends, leaving behind not only a legacy of remarkable work, but one of enduring friendship and trust.

In 1981, Larry met the love of his life, Micheon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. They married August 17, 1985, at St. Francis Xavier. Together, they built a life filled with faith, laughter, and music. Larry and Micheon shared a deep love of dancing—whether to the lively rhythms of salsa and merengue on a crowded dance floor or simply swaying together in their kitchen. In those small, joyful moments, their love was most evident.

As their marriage flourished, so did their creative partnership. Side by side, they worked together remodeling and decorating their homes that were not only beautiful, but they were also colorful expressions of hospitality and heart.

Larry and Micheon were true adventure partners. Their favorite trip was to Butte, Montana, to visit family and attend the annual Folk Festival. Those trips became treasured traditions. Butte was a setting that embodied so much of what they loved: family, music, freedom, and celebration.

In January of 1989, Larry and Micheon welcomed their first child, Larry III, and with him began one of the greatest joys of their lives—parenthood. Having long dreamed of becoming parents, they embraced this new chapter with full hearts and deep gratitude. From first Christmases to first birthdays, they savored every milestone, treasuring even the simplest moments that filled their home with laughter and wonder.

In November of 1990, they welcomed their daughter Devin, completing their family and expanding their joy. Larry and Micheon were devoted, playful, and deeply loving parents. Larry found particular joy in the quiet rhythms of everyday family life.   Together, he and Micheon created a home rich in warmth, music, creativity, and unwavering support—a place where their children were not only cared for, but truly known, guided, and deeply cherished.

In August of 2013, Larry and Micheon welcomed their precious grandson, Larry IV.   Larry maintained that his job as “Popsi” was one of his greatest gifts.  He relished his time with Larry IV, playing, wrestling and just hanging out together.

In the early 1990s, Larry started golfing—a passion he carried with him for the rest of his life. Many Sundays were happily spent at Meadowbrook Golf Course, where he could be found alongside his father-in-law, Joel, his brother-in-law, Billy, and later his son-in-law, Tanner. Golf was about the laughter between shots, the friendly competition, the stories shared while hitting the fairways. Memories were made one round at a time. To him, any day spent on the green—surrounded by those he loved—was a day truly well spent.

When he wasn’t on the golf course, Larry loved working in his yard. He had a natural gift for growing things—a true green thumb. Larry transformed his patio and garden into inviting sanctuaries. He blended structure with softness, craftsmanship with color, creating outdoor spaces that felt both artful and alive. Every space he touched became a place of beauty, gathering, and peace—a reflection of the care and creativity that defined so much of his life.

Throughout Larry’s life he had pets. His love for animals was constant and wholehearted. His pets were family. That love became part of his legacy which he passed on to both of his children. Larry’s tender heart lives on—faithfully and lovingly, just as he would have wanted.

Larry’s life was defined not only by what he built, but by how deeply he loved. He built homes, businesses, gardens, and traditions—but the truest measure of his life is found in the people who felt seen, valued, and cherished in his presence. His steady hands, warm laughter, playful humor, and unwavering devotion shaped the rhythm of his family’s days and the hearts of all who knew him.

Though he has set down his tools and taken his rest, Larry’s presence lingers in the spaces he crafted with care, in memories of the meals he prepared, the parties he hosted, his laughter across a golf course, and in the memory of bedtime stories read with animated joy. It lives in kitchen dances, in shared adventures, and in the countless small acts of love that defined his days.

He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who will forever tell his stories, and a community marked by his creativity and kindness. While his absence is deeply felt, so too is the gratitude for having known him. Larry’s legacy is one of steadfast love, joyful living, and a heart given fully to the people and passions that mattered most. He will be missed beyond words and remembered beyond measure.

All that he did, he did with Love.

Larry is lovingly  remembered by his wife Micheon, his son Larry III (Megan), his daughter Devin(Tanner), his grandson Larry IV, his step-granddaughter Tristyn, his parents Larry Sr. & Noelia, his sister Cindy, his brother Sam (son Ian), his sister Becky (Robert; children Patrick & Sara), his sister Debbie (Alan; children Kamille & Arleigh) and grand-nieces. Larry is also survived by his father-in-law Joel & mother-in-law Junie, and his sister-in-law Shannen (Billy; daughter Sullivan).

He was preceded in death by Joel Barry Jr. and Elizabeth Rosser

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City from 6:00-8:00 PM. Eulogy by Larry III and Devin at 7:30 PM. Valet service is provided, please enter through the north entrance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

We are eternally grateful to our Family and Friends for the Love, prayers, and continuous support shared with us during Larry’s final days. 

Your Love carried us…